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The Tiger's Eye (2016)

Offense Clemson is coming off a successful 11-3 season, including wins in the ACC Championship Game and Orange Bowl. Interim head coach, Jasonkapon24 has signed a contract extension after finishing the season 5-0 in his 5 games coached. Clemson’s offense will completely change this year under new coach Jasonkapon24. The 5-wide passing scheme will be replaced by a balanced attack led by senior HB Jay Melton and transfer senior Terry McIntire.Melton will be used as a 3rd down and speed back and McIntire will be in short yardage situations. Under the new coaching staff Clemson will run more options and will implement the Wildcat with their 2-back system. Melton ran for over 1,000 yards as a sophomore, but just 328 last season and is considered #2 of the depth chart. Clemson doesn’t have blazing speed at receiver, but Austin Foster (6’4”), Bryson Moore (6’2”), and Antonio Smith (6’2) will be tough to match up against. Clemson’s switch back to a balanced attack had to do with 2 recruits who will start as freshmen: TE Jeremy Scott and FB Isaac Faulk. The O-Line is solid except for left tackle where true freshman Marcus Smith will have to step up. The offensive success may will on Clemson’s 3 true freshman starters. Clemson’s QB battle was won by sophomore Jonathan Jordan who is known for his running ability. No Clemson player on the roster has ever attempted a pass in college football.

Defense Under Clemson’s new coaching staff, they have decided to switch from a 3-4 scheme back to a 4-3. Senior DT’s Michael Bradshaw and Kenny Cody should stop the opposing run (combined 619 lbs.) The line backing corps will be led by senior MLB Joel Smith who played very well last season. The secondary is weak this season because Clemson does not have a playmaker at corner.

Special Teams Kicking and punting will both be handled by JR punter Justin Nelson, who will challenge for a Groza award and a Ray Guy award this season. Returns will be split between HB Jay Melton and WR Austin Foster.

Clemson knew they needed an almost perfect effort to knock of last year’s national champion and #1 ranked Buckeyes. Clemson gameplan worked well in the 1st half as they were only down 14-10, but they couldn’t hold on for the whole game. Star HB Terry McIntire was injured in he 2nd, which hurt Clemson’s chances. Ohio State won this game fairly easily thanks to 3 Jonathan Jordan interceptions. Jordan was benched for the 4th quarter and the QB controversy is underway. Clemson begins ACC play against Maryland next week.

Clemson was just 1 second shy of a shutout before their 2nd string defense allowed a Maryland TD. Clemson absolutely dominated Maryland’s offense and this game was over by the first possession. The QB controversy for the was not at all resolved as Clemson ran the ball all game. Last week’s starter was the only player to pass and went just 4-9 with 1 INT. Backup Sean Anderson ran twice for 16 yards. Clemson’s 1-2 punch at halfback ran for 198 yards and 3 TD combined. Clemson’s defense recorded 7 sacks and 3 interceptions. Clemson is now 1-1, bouncing back from a tough loss at #1 Ohio State and looks forward to playing Rutgers in week 3.

Both Rutgers and Clemson needed wins today. In a game with astronomical running numbers, Rutgers looked like they were going to win when HB Darren Peterson was injured in the 3rd. Peterson rushed for 194 yards on 8.8 YPC. Backup Jonathan Johnson managed 88 yards on 6.2 YPC but was not much of a factor. Clemson ran for 430 yards on just 32 carries and killed the Rutgers defense with their option game. The difference in the game was Rutgers 4 turnovers compared to Clemson who didn't lose it all game.

Clemson didn’t seem like themselves against BC but was able to pull out a win despite their poor defense. Clemson allowed 400 yards passing and 474 total yards. Yet again the dynamic duo of running backs, Melton and McIntire were spectacular running for a combined 271 yards. Clemson moves to 2-0 in ACC play but will have to improve to beat teams like FSU. Next week Clemson travels to play a weak Wake Forest team and looks to improve off their performance at BC. Clemson will use Jonathan Jordan as the starter next week and in the future.